Anticipating the birth of our first grandchild was sweet and somewhat excruciating. We waited and waited for the news that the baby was born, and then patiently stood nearby for the chance to hold her.

I passed the time as I often do, “taking dictation from my heart” by writing prayers and poetry. This version of the prayer was adapted so I could share it with community members who are experiencing the unique joy of being grandparents. I hope these words help capture the sweetness of this special moment.

Click HERE to read Celebrating the Birth of a Grandbaby by Rabbi Paul Kipnes.

Rabbi Paul Kipnes is spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami (Calabasas, California) and author of The Secret Life of the Mourner: A Poetic Journey Through a Year of Mourning. With his wife Michelle November, he wrote Jewish Spiritual Parenting: Wisdom, Activities, Rituals and Prayers for Raising Children with Spiritual Balance and Emotional Wholeness. He inspires others at paulkipnes.com.

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